The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), overseen by the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales, documents archaeological discoveries made by the public. It operates through a network of at least 119 national and local partners, supported by locally based Finds Liaison Officers, the PAS Central Unit at the British Museum, National Finds Advisers, as well as interns and volunteers.
Nationally, over 1.8 million items have been recorded and entered into the database.
New finds should be reported to the local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO). While recording discoveries with the Portable Antiquities Scheme is entirely voluntary, it is strongly encouraged, as even chance finds can significantly enhance our understanding of the past. However, there is a legal obligation to report all potential Treasure, as defined by the Treasure Act 1996. This includes items such as gold and silver objects over 300 years old, groups of coins (hoards), and prehistoric metalwork. Such finds must be reported to the Coroner in the district where they were discovered within 14 days.
You can meet the Northamptonshire FLO and bring your finds to surgeries held around the county. For more information, email
If you have a find that you think may be classed as treasure, then please email the Northamptonshire Finds Liaison Officer at
Reference online information:
Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) Northamptonshire:
www.westnorthants.gov.uk/northamptonshire-archives-service/portable-antiquities-scheme-pas
The British Museum:
www.britishmuseum.org/our-work/national/treasure-and-portable-antiquities-scheme